A review by nikkinana
Paint Our Song by Maia Kinley

slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

Paint Our Song by Maia Kinley was a good book and it kept my attention. I liked Miles and Calvin. Miles is an artist with some insecurities who has come home to help save his family's inn. Calvin is a guitarist in a successful band, who is staying at the inn to get away from drama from his band and career. Calvin is also very insecure about himself despite his band being so successful. Miles is a big fan of Calvin's band. Calvin is a big fan of Miles' art. This book was good, but it definitely has room for improvement. I found some of the language a bit awkward at times. The story is told via 3rd person but through Miles' POV. I felt that it might have worked better as a dual POV, but that's just my opinion. I really wanted to know more of what Calvin was thinking throughout the book. 

I felt that the author tried to add too much to this story. It was like a Hallmark movie on steroids. I felt like there was just a lot going on that was distracting from Miles and Calvin's developing. relationship. We have Miles trying to save his family's inn while still dealing with the grief of losing his father. He is also dealing with a creative block that is threatening his livelihood as an artist. He is also falling for Calvin who despite being very nice and helpful to everyone else and agreeing to help Miles save the inn, has some very strong negative reactions anytime Miles even hints at flirting with him. I found that a bit confusing and that it didn't really fit with Calvin's overall personality. You have Calvin's band breaking up, drama with the lead singer and insecurities about his value as a songwriter and artist. You've got Miles' mom still dealing with her grief while wanting to step away from the inn. You have the drama of a blossoming relationship between Miles and Calvin once they finally get together. You've got Miles' ex-boyfriend, Matthew, who acts more like his best friend than his actual best friend, Gabby. I felt like Gabby just bossed Miles around a lot but didn't really help him much. The premise for the 3rd act breakup seemed like a bit unbelievable to me. I also didn't really buy the "social media can save everything" premise.